Published: 6 March 2024

The Chancellor has today announced a further £45m to support charity-funded early career researchers. This adds to the £70m provided by the government via the Medical Research Charities Early-Career Researcher Fund over the past three years. 

This funding will provide support for PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and those starting out on a career in research, to help them become the innovators of the future. Medical research charities play a vital role in igniting research careers, sparking interest in a particular health or disease area, building capacity and sustaining the talent pipeline. Their work drives research which accelerates impact providing benefits for patients and society.

Nicola Perrin MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities said:

“We’re thrilled that government has announced £45 million to support charity-funded early career researchers. This recognises the vital role that charities play in nurturing research careers and supporting the people who will unlock new ways to save and improve lives. The funding will make a huge difference to AMRC members as they continue to recover post-pandemic.”

The funding announced today will support:

• over 1000 early career researchers…
• …at over 100 institutions...
• …funded by 89 charities.

Find out more about the impact of the scheme in our video below (also downloadable as a PDF). 

The funding was originally provided to support early career researchers in UK institutions funded by medical research charities in recognition of the impact of COVID on fundraising charities. Last year, the Government provided £50 million for charity-funded early career researchers, adding to £20m in 2022.